Incident Details
A pilot reported that prior to landing, he listened to the airport's Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). After landing and turning onto a parallel taxiway, the aircraft ran over a 10-foot-long horizontal barricade that was sitting approximately perpendicular to the taxiway centerline. The pilot, who was seated in the rear seat of the tailwheel-equipped aircraft (as required for solo flight for the type), stated that he was performing "S" turns for taxi visibility, but that the barricade was obstructed from view by the nose of the aircraft.
Upon striking the barricade, the aircraft's left main gear collapsed, and the left wing dropped, striking another barricade. The pilot noted that the presence and location of the barricade were not announced on ATIS.
Investigation
On-site investigation disclosed that the barricade extended to within two to three feet of the yellow taxiway centerline. A review of a re-recording of ATIS revealed that while the broadcast announced the closure of several taxiways, it did not indicate that barricades were in place on the parallel taxiway.
Findings
- The barricade was present on the taxiway without prior notification via ATIS.
- The barricade's proximity to the taxiway centerline allowed it to be struck by the aircraft during taxi.
- The aircraft's design, with the pilot seated in the rear, created a forward blind spot that obscured the barricade despite the use of S-turns.